net.TUTOR: Web Search Tools

Web Search Tools > 2: Browse the Best Sites

2A: About Web Directories

Using a Web Directory is like browsing in a large library or bookstore, where best-selling books on the same topic are conveniently grouped together. Use a Directory when you want to explore what's available on a topic.

- - - Characteristics of Web Directories:

Selective: They are a collection of sites that have been selected by Directory editors.
Browse: They can be browsed by subject categories, which are usually arranged in a hierarchy, starting with the broadest or most general one (as shown below). Click on a category name to begin browsing.
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Computers
        Internet
               Software
                       E-mail
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Search: In addition to browsing, you can also search within most Directories. Your search words are matched against:
- site titles
- subject categories
- short, descriptive summaries of sites

See a Movie

Watch Web Directories. [opens in new window]

2B: Types of Web Directories

Some examples:

General -- cover all subjects
Intute
ipl2
Open Directory Project
Yahoo! Directory
Topical -- cover one area in depth
Construction WebLinks
FindLaw
Healthfinder.gov

Activity

Try a search within the Intute Web directory for the words endangered species and browse the results. Your search words are highlighted in the results.

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